Categories
SaaStr 834: Why OpenAI Doesn't Pay Sales Commission (And Why It Works) with OpenAI GTM Leader Maggie Hott, and Harry Stebbings, Founder of 20VC
Discover how OpenAI’s unique approach to B2B sales compensation is changing the game. In this interview with Harry Stebbings, Founder of 20VC, Maggie Hott, OpenAI GTM leadership, shares her experience at OpenAI, including why they don’t pay sales commissions, and what B2B sales leaders can learn from this disruptive model.
---------------------
This episode is Sponsored in part by HappyFox:
Imagine having AI agents for every support task — one that triages tickets, another that catches duplicates, one that spots churn risks. That’d be pretty amazing, right? HappyFox just made it real with Autopilot. These pre-built AI agents deploy in about 60 seconds and run for as low as 2 cents per successful action. All of it sits inside the HappyFox omnichannel, AI-first support stack — Chatbot, Copilot, and Autopilot working as one. Check them out at happyfox.com/saastr
---------------------
Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.
With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.
But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.
Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.
SaaStr 833: AI and the Death of the 2021 Sales Playbook with SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin
Join SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin from SaaStr London as we tackle pressing topics in AI and sales during an engaging AMA session.
From discussing the evolution of inbound vs. outbound sales to detailing the transformative impact of AI on sales roles and outbound strategies, this session covers it all.
Learn about the importance of product expertise for selling AI solutions, the rise of AI SDRs, and why knowing your top three problems is crucial for effective outbound marketing. Plus, discover insights on the rapidly improving capabilities of AI agents and their implications for competitive moats. Whether you're a sales professional, marketer, or tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable insights and future trends in the AI landscape.
---------------------
This episode is Sponsored in part by HappyFox:
Imagine having AI agents for every support task — one that triages tickets, another that catches duplicates, one that spots churn risks. That’d be pretty amazing, right? HappyFox just made it real with Autopilot. These pre-built AI agents deploy in about 60 seconds and run for as low as 2 cents per successful action. All of it sits inside the HappyFox omnichannel, AI-first support stack — Chatbot, Copilot, and Autopilot working as one. Check them out at happyfox.com/saastr
---------------------
Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.
With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professionals, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.
But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.
Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.
SaaStr 832: How to Use AI to Hyper-Customize Go-To-Market at Scale with SaaStr's CEO and Chief AI Officer
In this episode from SaaStr AI London 2025, SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin and SaaStr's Chief AI Officer, Amelia Lerutte discuss the implementation and optimization of AI SDRs within various business contexts. They focus on key AI agents used for sales processes, data aggregation, and the customization of outbound and inbound messages. Real-world results, like increased email response rates, are highlighted along with practical steps for setting up and training AI SDRs. They also offer advice on selecting the right vendors, the importance of human oversight, and leveraging AI to improve qualification and customer interactions. Key takeaways include how AI can handle more interactions consistently and efficiently and the role of AI in augmenting human sales capabilities.
---------------------
This episode is Sponsored in part by HappyFox:
Imagine having AI agents for every support task — one that triages tickets, another that catches duplicates, one that spots churn risks. That’d be pretty amazing, right? HappyFox just made it real with Autopilot. These pre-built AI agents deploy in about 60 seconds and run for as low as 2 cents per successful action. All of it sits inside the HappyFox omnichannel, AI-first support stack — Chatbot, Copilot, and Autopilot working as one. Check them out at happyfox.com/saastr
---------------------
Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.
With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.
But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.
Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.
SaaStr 831: How We Use 20+ AI Agents for Marketing & Go-to-Market with SaaStr's Chief AI Officer and CEO & Founder
---------------------
This episode is Sponsored in part by Salesforce:
Connect data, automate busywork and empower teams like nobody’s business with the one platform that grows with you, every step of the way. Learn how Salesforce works for Startups at salesforce.com/smb.
---------------------
This episode is Sponsored in part by HappyFox:
Imagine having AI agents for every support task — one that triages tickets, another that catches duplicates, one that spots churn risks. That’d be pretty amazing, right? HappyFox just made it real with Autopilot. These pre-built AI agents deploy in about 60 seconds and run for as low as 2 cents per successful action. All of it sits inside the HappyFox omnichannel, AI-first support stack — Chatbot, Copilot, and Autopilot working as one. Check them out at happyfox.com/saastr
---------------------
Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.
With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.
But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.
Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.
SaaStr 830: 6 Months Later, How Our AI SDRs Actually Work as AI Runs GTM with SaaStr's CEO and Chief AI Officer
In this episode, SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin and SaaStr's Chief AI Officer, Amelia Lerutte delve into their journey of integrating AI into our go-to-market strategy over the past six months. Starting with just one AI agent before SaaStr Annual in May, we've scaled to roughly 20 core agents by November, covering various use cases across marketing, sales, customer support, and operations.
Together they discuss the specifics of our AI implementations, the tools we have deployed, including Artisan, Qualified, and Salesforce's AgentForce, and share valuable insights on their performance, benefits, and challenges. Tune in to learn about the unexpected outcomes, the time and management required, and the significant impact on our efficiency and revenue.
---------------------
This episode is Sponsored in part by Salesforce:
Connect data, automate busywork and empower teams like nobody’s business with the one platform that grows with you, every step of the way. Learn how Salesforce works for Startups at salesforce.com/smb.
---------------------
This episode is Sponsored in part by HappyFox:
Imagine having AI agents for every support task — one that triages tickets, another that catches duplicates, one that spots churn risks. That’d be pretty amazing, right? HappyFox just made it real with Autopilot. These pre-built AI agents deploy in about 60 seconds and run for as low as 2 cents per successful action. All of it sits inside the HappyFox omnichannel, AI-first support stack — Chatbot, Copilot, and Autopilot working as one. Check them out at happyfox.com/saastr
SaaStr 829: A Hands-On Guide to SaaStr's New AI Tools with SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin
---------------------
This episode is Sponsored in part by Salesforce:
Connect data, automate busywork and empower teams like nobody’s business with the one platform that grows with you, every step of the way. Learn how Salesforce works for Startups at salesforce.com/smb.
---------------------
If you're serious about B2B and AI, you need to be in London this December.
SaaStr AI London is bringing together more than 2,000 leaders and founders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year.
We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London.
Don't miss out: get your tickets with my exclusive discount by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com
---------------------
Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.
With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.
But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.
Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.
SaaStr 828: The AI Revolution in B2B: Insights from SaaStr CEO Jason Lemkin and SaaStr Chief AI Officer Amelia Lerutte, and Qualified's CEO Kraig Swensrud
Join Kraig Swensrud, founder and CEO of Qualified, as he sits down with Jason Lemkin, CEO & Founder SaaStr, and Amelia LeRutte, Chief AI Officer at SaaStr.
In this insightful discussion, they explore the current landscape of AI in business, including the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI agents into companies. From the importance of training to the pressures of staying ahead in AI adoption, this conversation offers actionable advice for both startups and established enterprises looking to innovate. Get ready to dive deep into the transformative power of AI in the go-to-market strategies and beyond.
---------------------
This episode is Sponsored in part by Salesforce:
Connect data, automate busywork and empower teams like nobody’s business with the one platform that grows with you, every step of the way. Learn how Salesforce works for Startups at salesforce.com/smb.
---------------------
This episode is Sponsored in part by Intercom:
Fin is the #1 AI Agent for resolving complex queries like refunds, transaction disputes, and technical troubleshooting—all with speed and reliability. See how Fin can deliver the highest resolution rates and highest-quality customer experience at fin.ai/saastr.
---------------------
If you're serious about B2B and AI, you need to be in London this December.
SaaStr AI London is bringing together more than 2,000 leaders and founders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year.
We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London.
Don't miss out: get your tickets with my exclusive discount by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com
---------------------
Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.
With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.
But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.
Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.
Brett Queener is Partner at Bonfire Ventures, a $1B AUM seed-stage fund writing $3-4M checks into application software companies. He was employee #70 at Salesforce.com, where he built go-to-market, launched the AppExchange, and helped scale the company from its earliest days. Previously, he worked at Siebel Systems (the fastest-growing software company of its era) and ran a B2B startup (SmartRecruiters) from pre-revenue to $100M ARR. He writes about the changing software industry in real-time at his Substack.
He came to SaaStr Annual + AI Summit for a deep dive on AI and Product.
---------------------
This episode is Sponsored in part by Salesforce:
Connect data, automate busywork and empower teams like nobody’s business with the one platform that grows with you, every step of the way. Learn how Salesforce works for Startups at salesforce.com/smb.
---------------------
This episode is Sponsored in part by Intercom:
Fin is the #1 AI Agent for resolving complex queries like refunds, transaction disputes, and technical troubleshooting—all with speed and reliability. See how Fin can deliver the highest resolution rates and highest-quality customer experience at fin.ai/saastr.
---------------------
If you're serious about B2B and AI, you need to be in London this December.
SaaStr AI London is bringing together more than 2,000 leaders and founders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year.
We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London.
Don't miss out: get your tickets with my exclusive discount by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com
---------------------
Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.
With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.
But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.
Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.
In this comprehensive session, SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin dives into the latest trends and developments in AI, particularly in the go-to-market (GTM) sector. The session outlines how innovative AI tools are transforming businesses, from AI SDRs and BDRs to forward-deployed engineers. Leaders in the industry are pushing the boundaries, showing higher growth rates and superior marketing efficiency. We also discuss the importance of hands-on deployment and training of AI tools to achieve success, and analyze the current and future impact of AI on B2B companies. Tune in for detailed insights and learn how to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of AI.
---------------------
This episode is Sponsored in part by Salesforce:
Connect data, automate busywork and empower teams like nobody’s business with the one platform that grows with you, every step of the way. Learn how Salesforce works for Startups at salesforce.com/smb.
---------------------
This episode is Sponsored in part by Intercom:
Fin is the #1 AI Agent for resolving complex queries like refunds, transaction disputes, and technical troubleshooting—all with speed and reliability. See how Fin can deliver the highest resolution rates and highest-quality customer experience at fin.ai/saastr. ---------------------
If you're serious about B2B and AI, you need to be in London this December. SaaStr AI London is bringing together more than 2,000 leaders and founders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year. We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London. Don't miss out: get your tickets with my exclusive discount by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com
---------------------
Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026. With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year. But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait. Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.
SaaStr 825: How the AI Era Has Directly Impacted Marketing and Sales with Snowflake‘s CMO and Founding CRO
Discover the significance of company culture, security, and a centralized data foundation in leveraging AI. Hear about Snowflake's AI Council, customer use cases, task automation, and the consolidation of intelligence teams. Don't miss this comprehensive discussion on the transformative role of AI in the enterprise and valuable hiring insights for staying ahead in the AI era.
---------------------
This episode is Sponsored in part by Salesforce:
Connect data, automate busywork and empower teams like nobody’s business with the one platform that grows with you, every step of the way. Learn how Salesforce works for Startups at salesforce.com/smb.
---------------------
This episode is Sponsored in part by Intercom:

Fin is the #1 AI Agent for resolving complex queries like refunds, transaction disputes, and technical troubleshooting—all with speed and reliability. See how Fin can deliver the highest resolution rates and highest-quality customer experience at fin.ai/saastr.
---------------------
If you're serious about B2B and AI, you need to be in London this December.
SaaStr AI London is bringing together more than 2,000 leaders and founders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year.
We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London.
Don't miss out: get your tickets with my exclusive discount by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com
---------------------
Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.
With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.
But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.
Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.
SaaStr 824: VC in the AI Era - Exactly What's Getting Funded, Why & When with SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin
---------------------
This episode of the SaaStr podcast is Sponsored by Salesforce:
Connect data, automate busywork and empower teams like nobody’s business with the one platform that grows with you, every step of the way. Learn how Salesforce works for Startups at salesforce.com/smb.
---------------------
This episode of the SaaStr podcast is Sponsored by Intercom:
 Fin is the #1 AI Agent for resolving complex queries like refunds, transaction disputes, and technical troubleshooting—all with speed and reliability. See how Fin can deliver the highest resolution rates and highest-quality customer experience at fin.ai/saastr.
---------------------
If you're serious about B2B and AI, you need to be in London this December. SaaStr AI London is bringing together more than 2,000 leaders and founders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year. We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London. Don't miss out: get your tickets with my exclusive discount by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com
---------------------
Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026. With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year. But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait. Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.
SaaStr 823: Is GTM Really Dead?! with SaaStr CEO Jason Lemkin
In this episode, Jason Lemkin, SaaStr CEO and Founder, addresses common misconceptions about traditional go-to-market strategies in the age of AI. Despite claims that outbound marketing, SEO, and old-school tactics are dead, the speaker highlights how leading AI companies are successfully employing these methods with minor tweaks. Drawing from the success stories of OpenAI, Notion, Dialpad, and others, the presenter emphasizes the importance of high-quality content, dynamic sales tactics, and the unmatched potential of AI-driven tools like AI SDRs. He also discusses the necessity of providing substantial ROI from day one and urges marketers to reassess and improve their strategies rather than dismiss them as obsolete. Finally, practical advice is given on optimizing sales and marketing efforts to tap into the booming AI budget effectively.
This episode is sponsored by:
Fin is the #1 AI Agent for resolving complex queries like refunds, transaction disputes, and technical troubleshooting—all with speed and reliability. See how Fin can deliver the highest resolution rates and highest-quality customer experience at fin.ai/saastr.
This episode is sponsored by:
You didn’t create a startup to run a small business. Let Salesforce help you connect data, automate busywork and empower employees on the only platform you’ll ever need, no matter how big you get. With smarter AI and built-in collaboration tools like Slack, the sky’s the limit. Learn how Salesforce works for startups at salesforce.com/smb.
We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London.
Don't miss out: get your tickets while you still can by going to podcast.saastrlondon.comSaaStr 822: SaaStr's Top 10+ AI Agents: AI SDR, AI BDR, AI RevOps + More: The How, The Who, The Why with SaaStr CEO Jason Lemkin
Join us in this comprehensive deep dive into the use of AI agents within SaaStr's operations, as requested by many of our followers.
Led by SaaStr CEO and Founder, Jason Lemkin, and SaaStr Chief AI Officer, Amelia Lerutte, we'll detail our journey from having no AI at the start of the year to utilizing 20 different AI agents, including 11 core ones that we rely on daily.
Learn from our insights on our most utilized AI agents, their workings, actual data, and how we manage them for optimal results. Discover specific tools like Artisan, Qualified, Gamma, and Replit, and understand how they're integrated into our outbound, inbound, and sales processes.
This episode also covers how we've internally developed AI-powered solutions for speaker application reviews, content review, startup valuation, and more. If you're interested in bringing intelligent automation to your business, this session offers practical advice and firsthand experiences to guide you on your AI journey.
--------------------- This episode is brought to you by Intercom:
Fin is the #1 AI Agent for resolving complex queries like refunds, transaction disputes, and technical troubleshooting—all with speed and reliability. See how Fin can deliver the highest resolution rates and highest-quality customer experience at fin.ai/saastr.
---------------------
If you're serious about B2B and AI, you need to be in London this December.
SaaStr AI London is bringing together more than 2,000 leaders and founders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year.
We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London.
Don't miss out: get your tickets with my exclusive discount by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com
---------------------
Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.
With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.
But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.
Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.
SaaStr 821: Swapping Stories - Building AI-First Companies: Insights from Zapier’s CEO and Co-Founder Wade Foster
Join us for an in-depth conversation with Wade Foster, co-founder and CEO of Zapier, on the SaaStr AI Swapping Stories Podcast! Wade shares how Zapier is leading the way in AI-powered automation, the evolution from simple workflows to agentic systems, and why AI fluency is now a must-have for every new hire.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The journey of Zapier from integration tool to AI orchestration platform
- Real-world examples of agentic workflows and automation at scale
- How Zapier’s culture embraces “don’t be a robot, build a robot”
- The impact of AI on sales, customer success, and internal operations
- Tips for companies looking to hire and upskill for an AI-first future
- The latest trends in AI tools, including voice-to-text and workflow automation
Whether you’re a founder, operator, or just curious about the future of work, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.
And see you at Zapconnect next week (sign up here - it's free.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fin is the #1 AI Agent for resolving complex queries like refunds, transaction disputes, and technical troubleshooting—all with speed and reliability. See how Fin can deliver the highest resolution rates and highest-quality customer experience at fin.ai/saastr.
---------------------
If you're serious about B2B and AI, you need to be in London this December 2nd and 3rd. SaaStr AI London is bringing together more than 2,000 leaders and founders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year. We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London. Don't miss out: get your tickets with my exclusive discount by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com
---------------------
Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026. With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year. But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait. Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.
SaaStr 820: The Complete Guide to Vibe Coding Without a Developer with SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin
Join us in this episode as we dive into the world of vibe coding with a prosumer approach. SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin shares his extensive journey of building production-ready applications without a developer, using platforms like Replit and Lovable. From initial excitement to hard-earned lessons, learn about the strengths, challenges, and key takeaways from creating and deploying vibe-coded apps. Discover why the hype around 'building an app in 20 minutes' is often misleading, and understand the importance of thorough planning, competitive research, and mastering your platform. Whether you're a founder, aspiring app creator, or tech enthusiast, this episode will provide valuable insights into the future of no-code and low-code development.
----------------------- This episode is sponsored by Intercom
 Fin is the #1 AI Agent for resolving complex queries like refunds, transaction disputes, and technical troubleshooting—all with speed and reliability. See how Fin can deliver the highest resolution rates and highest-quality customer experience at fin.ai/saastr.
---------------------
If you're serious about B2B and AI, you need to be in London this December 2nd and 3rd. SaaStr AI London is bringing together more than 2,000 leaders and founders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year. We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London. Don't miss out: get your tickets with my exclusive discount by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com
---------------------
Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026. With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year. But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait. Lock in your spot today by going to podcast podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.
SaaStr 819: Swapping Notes on the AI Revolution in Marketing with G2's CMO Sydney Sloan
Welcome to Swapping Notes, a new SaaStr podcast series where we cut through the AI hype and get real about who's doing what with AI in B2B.
Amelia LeRutte, Chief AI Officer at SaaStr, and co-host Guillaume Cabane, Co-Founder and General Partner at HyperGrowth Partners, sit down with AI leaders from the companies to share notes and stories on what's working in AI.
In this episode, we swap notes with G2's CMO, Sydney Sloan.
Together, we deep dive into the evolving role of AI in marketing and buyer behavior.
We explore how AI is reshaping the buying process, the significance of brand trust, and the future of web experiences.
The episode also covers the importance of AI orchestration roles and practical advice for founders and CMOs to adapt to the rapid advancements in AI tools and strategies. Tune in to discover insights on how to effectively integrate AI into your marketing efforts and stay ahead in the dynamic landscape.
---------------------
Fin is the #1 AI Agent for resolving complex queries like refunds, transaction disputes, and technical troubleshooting—all with speed and reliability. See how Fin can deliver the highest resolution rates and highest-quality customer experience at fin.ai/saastr.
---------------------
If you're serious about B2B and AI, you need to be in London this December 2nd and 3rd.
SaaStr AI London is bringing together more than 2,000 leaders and founders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year.
We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London.
Don't miss out: get your tickets with my exclusive discount by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com
---------------------
Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.
With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.
But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.
Lock in your spot today by going to podcast podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.
SaaStr 818: Anthropic, Cursor, Fal & Bessemer: The Realities of Scaling AI
Join Talia Goldberg (Bessemer Venture Partners), Kelly Loftus (Anthropic), Jacob Jackson (Cursor), and Gorkem Yurtseven (FaL - Feautres and Labels) as they discuss the evolving landscape of AI, business models, metrics, and the future of generative media.
00:00 - Introduction & Panelist Bios
01:19 - How AI Companies Are Changing Metrics
02:20 - The New Economics: Margins, Growth, and Pricing
04:41 - Usage-Based Models & The Cost to Serve
06:31 - The Impact of Expensive Models on Margins
08:00 - Go-To-Market Team Structures at Anthropic
09:36 - Scaling Sales Teams & The Quota Debate
12:01 - Hiring and Team Building Tactics
14:47 - How AI Is Used Internally at These Companies
17:47 - Key Decisions & Pivots in Company Journeys
20:07 - Collaboration vs. Competition: Cursor & Anthropic
22:23 - Measuring Productivity Gains from AI
24:26 - The Metrics That Matter Most
27:16 - Final Thoughts & Audience Q&A
---------------------
Fin is the #1 AI Agent for resolving complex queries like refunds, transaction disputes, and technical troubleshooting—all with speed and reliability. See how Fin can deliver the highest resolution rates and highest-quality customer experience at fin.ai/saastr.
---------------------
SaaStr 817: What Happens When AI Kills Your SaaS Growth? Live Q&A with SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin
In this Q&A session from SaaStr Annual, Jason Lemkin delivers hard truths about how AI is reshaping the entire SaaS landscape. No sugarcoating, no feel-good platitudes - just the brutal reality of what's happening to B2B companies right now.
What You'll Learn:
- Why 80% of B2B investors now only do AI deals (and what that means for traditional SaaS)
- The real reason $100M revenue companies are suddenly hitting growth walls
- Why VCs have shifted from seeking billion-dollar to trillion-dollar outcomes
- How the "triple-triple-double-double" growth model died in 18 months
- Why you need to go multi-product by $10M revenue (not $100M)
- The downward death spiral killing SaaS companies that aren't adapting
- Specific tactics for surviving when your go-to-market playbook stops working
Key Moments:
- A founder admits he's "terrified" of AI - Jason's response will surprise you
- Why vertical SaaS is becoming the only "safe haven"
- The harsh math on fundraising when you're not AI-first
- How brand marketing is changing as search moves from Google to ChatGPT
- Why working "twice as hard and four times smarter" isn't optional anymore
Raw Founder Questions Answered:
- "How do I fundraise when I'm not AI-first?"
- "Is triple-double-double still attractive to investors?"
- "Should my sales team experiment with AI?"
- "How many resources should we devote to becoming AI-first?"
This isn't your typical conference recap. It's 90 minutes of unvarnished insights from founders in the trenches, dealing with the AI disruption in real-time. Jason doesn't hold back on what's working, what's broken, and what you need to do differently starting tomorrow.
Perfect for: SaaS founders, revenue leaders, and anyone trying to navigate the AI transformation of B2B software.
------------------
Hey everybody, SaaStr AI's next stop takes us to London on December 2nd and 3rd!
It's Christmas with SaaStr and 2,000 of the best SaaS and AI leaders.
The biggest names will be there. The best networking.
Early adopter tickets are selling faster than we expected. So don't wait. With only 5 months until the event, we expect this year's SaaStr London event to sell out to capacity.
Use my code jason20pod for exclusive savings. Get your tickets now at podcast.saastrlondon.com or use code jason20pod at checkout.
SaaStr AI London – where SaaS Meets AI in London. See you there.
---------------------------------------------------
Hey everybody, SaaStr Annual will be back in May of 2026.
The world's largest SaaS + AI gathering for executives. Just this May we hosted: 10,000 attendees with 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% were AI-first professionals. This is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.
But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.
Lock in your spot today. Use my code JASON100 for exclusive savings. Get your tickets at podcast.saastrannual.com or use code JASON100 at checkout.
SaaStr Annual 2026. We'll see you there.
Join us as Jason Lemkin, CEO, and Founder of SaaStr, sits down with Tope Awotona, CEO, and founder of Calendly for an insightful AMA session. They discuss Calendly's journey, their success in the Product-Led Growth (PLG) domain, and how it balances self-serve with enterprise sales strategies. Tope shares candid lessons learned from growing Calendly, from managing customer acquisition costs to aligning product development with customer needs. The conversation also delves into how Calendly plans to integrate AI to enhance user productivity and manage meetings more efficiently. This episode is packed with valuable insights for founders, CEOs, and anyone interested in SaaS growth strategies.
------------------
Hey everybody, SaaStr Annual will be back in May of 2026.
The world's largest SaaS + AI gathering for executives. Just this May we hosted: 10,000 attendees with 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% were AI-first professionals. This is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.
But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.
Lock in your spot today. Use my code JASON100 for exclusive savings. Get your tickets at podcast.saastrannual.com or use code JASON100 at checkout.
SaaStr Annual 2026. We'll see you there
SaaStr 815: Redpoint Ventures Playbook: How Top VCs Are Really Investing in AI with Jacob Effron, Managing Director of Redpoint Ventures
Jacob Effron, Managing Director at RedPoint, discusses the state of AI investing and the rapid advancements in AI technology. He highlights the significant decrease in model costs, increased AI capabilities in applications like coding, voice models, and customer support, and the rapid scaling of AI startups. Jacob also talks about how venture capital strategies have shifted, with a focus on AI-driven end-use cases and quality. He outlines a three-part investment framework focused on identifying effective AI applications and the potential for future expansion. Effron shares insights on successful AI companies like Abridge and Lara, emphasizing their high-quality products and rapid market adaptation. He concludes by noting the importance of brand building, velocity in product development, and the evolving landscape of AI investments.
SaaStr 814: How to Build Top-Performing Sales Orgs with OpenAI's GTM Leader Maggie Hott
------------------
Hey everybody, SaaStr AI's next stop takes us to London on December 2nd and 3rd!
It's Christmas with SaaStr and 2,000 of the best SaaS and AI leaders.
The biggest names will be there. The best networking.
Early adopter tickets are selling faster than we expected. So don't wait. With only 5 months until the event, we expect this year's SaaStr London event to sell out to capacity.
Use my code jason20pod for exclusive savings. Get your tickets now at podcast.saastrlondon.com or use code jason20pod at checkout.
SaaStr AI London – where SaaS Meets AI in London. See you there.
------------------
This episode of the SaaStr podcast is sponsored by: get.tech
The best .coms are taken or overpriced. So you settle on a workaround domain for your website.
Don't compromise. Get a clean, sharp .tech domain that instantly says: this is a tech startup.
Grab yours at get.tech/saastr or via domain registrars like GoDaddy.
In this session, CRO of ServiceTitan, Ross Biestman, and Chemistry's Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Kristina Shen, discuss ServiceTitan's founding principles and growth from a small company to a $11 billion vertical SaaS leader. Together they cover ServiceTitan’s mission-driven approach, and its successful adoption of AI for operational efficiency. Ross shares personal anecdotes about customer interactions and pivotal moments leading to ServiceTitan’s massive success. The episode underscores the importance of on-site customer interactions and the role of AI and disciplined expansion in their growth strategy.
------------------
This episode of the SaaStr podcast is sponsored by: get.tech
The best .coms are taken or overpriced. So you settle on a workaround domain for your website.
Don't compromise. Get a clean, sharp .tech domain that instantly says: this is a tech startup.
Grab yours at get.tech/saastr or via domain registrars like GoDaddy.
------------------
Hey everybody, SaaStr AI's next stop takes us to London on December 2nd and 3rd!
It's Christmas with SaaStr and 2,000 of the best SaaS and AI leaders. The biggest names will be there. The best networking.
Early adopter tickets are selling faster than we expected. So don't wait. With only 5 months until the event, we expect this year's SaaStr London event to sell out to capacity.
Use my code jason20pod for exclusive savings. Get your tickets now at podcast.saastrlondon.com or use code jason20pod at checkout.
SaaStr AI London – where SaaS Meets AI in London. See you there.
------------------
Hey everybody, SaaStr Annual will be back in May of 2026.
The world's largest SaaS + AI gathering for executives. Just this May we hosted: 10,000 attendees with 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% were AI-first professionals. This is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.
But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.
Lock in your spot today. Use my code JASON100 for exclusive savings. Get your tickets at podcast.saastrannual.com or use code JASON100 at checkout.
SaaStr 812: What’s Working Now: AI’s Real Impact on Sales with SaaStr's CEO and Co-Founder, and SVP & GM
Join Jason Lemkin, CEO and Founder of SaaStr, and Amelia Lerutte, SVP and GM of SaaStr as they dive deep into the practical applications, results, and learnings from integrating AI into sales workflows.
This session covers the initial struggles, data preparation, and continuous optimization required to achieve high-quality outputs with AI. They share specific examples of what's working, the importance of human oversight, and the benefits of combining AI with human expertise. Whether you're initiating outbound sales or reactivating lapsed accounts, learn how SaaStr successfully increased response rates and closed deals using AI-driven strategies.
------------------
This episode of the SaaStr podcast is sponsored by: get.tech
The best .coms are taken or overpriced. So you settle on a workaround domain for your website.
Don't compromise. Get a clean, sharp .tech domain that instantly says: this is a tech startup.
Grab yours at get.tech/saastr or via domain registrars like GoDaddy.
------------------
Hey everybody, SaaStr AI's next stop takes us to London on December 2nd and 3rd!
It's Christmas with SaaStr and 2,000 of the best SaaS and AI leaders.
The biggest names will be there. The best networking.
Early adopter tickets are selling faster than we expected. So don't wait. With only 5 months until the event, we expect this year's SaaStr London event to sell out to capacity.
Use my code jason20pod for exclusive savings. Get your tickets now at podcast.saastrlondon.com or use code jason20pod at checkout.
SaaStr AI London – where SaaS Meets AI in London. See you there.
------------------
Hey everybody, SaaStr Annual will be back in May of 2026.
The world's largest SaaS + AI gathering for executives. Just this May we hosted: 10,000 attendees with 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% were AI-first professionals. This is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.
But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.
Lock in your spot today. Use my code JASON100 for exclusive savings. Get your tickets at podcast.saastrannual.com or use code JASON100 at checkout.
SaaStr Annual 2026. We'll see you there
SaaStr 811: Marketing in the Age of AI with Wiz's CMO Raaz Herzberg
Join us for an insightful discussion with Raaz Herzberg, the Chief Marketing Officer of Wiz, as she dives into her unconventional journey from engineering to leading Wiz's marketing strategy.
In this episode, Raaz shares her unique perspectives on how a lack of traditional marketing background shaped her approach, focusing on building brand awareness and solving customer pain points. Learn about the innovative tactics she's employed to stand out in the cybersecurity market, the importance of hiring curious and driven individuals, and how AI is transforming the marketing landscape. Whether you're in marketing, sales, or a founder, Roz offers valuable advice on making impactful hires and driving exponential growth.
------------------
This episode of the SaaStr podcast is sponsored by: get.tech
The best .coms are taken or overpriced. So you settle on a workaround domain for your website.
Don't compromise. Get a clean, sharp .tech domain that instantly says: this is a tech startup.
Grab yours at get.tech/saastr or via domain registrars like GoDaddy.
------------------
Hey everybody, SaaStr Annual will be back in May of 2026.
The world's largest SaaS + AI gathering for executives. Just this May we hosted: 10,000 attendees with 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% were AI-first professionals. This is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.
But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.
Lock in your spot today. Use my code JASON100 for exclusive savings. Get your tickets at podcast.saastrannual.com or use code JASON100 at checkout.
SaaStr Annual 2026. We'll see you there
SaaStr 810: AI and the Bottom Line, How Canva Turns Freemium into Conversions with Canva's CCO Rob Giglio
This episode of the SaaStr podcast is sponsored by: get.tech
The best .coms are taken or overpriced. So you settle on a workaround domain for your website.
Don't compromise. Get a clean, sharp .tech domain that instantly says: this is a tech startup.
Grab yours at get.tech/saastr or via domain registrars like GoDaddy.
----